Abstract: A reusable casket includes a metal casket box having an opening at one end and includes a panel section rotatably attached to the casket box which is closeable to enclose the opening and openable to allow longitudinal movement of a casket insert into and out of the casket box through the opening. The panel section is retained to each side panel in the closed position by a locking bolt extending through the panel section to engage an interface operatively connected to the side panel. A transverse member may be attached to the opposing side panels of the box to partially define the opening. An end panel of the casket box may include the panel section intermediate first and second lateral sections where each lateral section is fixedly attached to a respective one of the opposing side panels and the panel section is movable relative to the lateral sections.

Abstract: A rental casket distribution system includes a distribution system administrator in communication with a supplier network, a distributor network and a service provider network to provide rental caskets to service providers for temporary use by a client deceased. A rental casket order is received by the administrator and dispatched to a selected distributor for fulfillment and delivery of a rental casket kit to a service provider. The rental casket kit is assembled to include a returnable, reusable rental casket and may further include one or more of a non-reusable casket insert, casket lining, pillow, and overlay. The rental casket may be customized by the distributor prior to delivery to the service provider. A rental casket price includes a rental casket deposit and a rental fee. The rental casket deposit may be partially or fully refunded as determined by the condition of the rental casket upon return to a distributor.

Abstract: A reusable casket includes a metal casket box having an opening at one end and including a panel section rotatably attached to the casket box which is closeable to enclose the opening and openable to allow longitudinal movement of a casket insert into and out of the casket box through the opening. A transverse member adjacent the panel section connects opposing side panels of the box to partially define the opening. The panel section is retained to the transverse member in the closed position by locking bolts extending through the panel section to engage the transverse member. A method of making the metal casket box includes welding side, end, and floor panels together, moveably attaching the panel section relative to an opening in the end of the casket box, and attaching the transverse member to the side panels adjacent the panel section.